What is the most useful accessory you got for your bike? By useful, I mean something that improved the enjoyment or functionality of using your bike.

Note - I know this is a subjective question, but I ask it to generate a reference list of most useful accessories, as opposed to identify 'the best'.

One accessory per answer, plus a little explanation of why it would be useful. I've put my top two in by way of example.

Edit: This page is meant to list accessories you've found useful, not to record basic cycling concepts (as per this thread in meta). If you would like to write an entry about a basic cycling tool, component, or concept, please use the terminology index for that.

This question exists because it has historical significance, but it is not considered a good, on-topic question for this site, so please do not use it as evidence that you can ask similar questions here. This question and its answers are frozen and cannot be changed. More info: help center.

@Kevin: Sure, a list of accessories sounds potentially useful. I'm curious to see what the community comes up with. (It's a similar reasoning as used for the terminology index.)
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 15:04

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I think this is OK... there's such a wide variety of accessories, it may be good to discuss those which have proven the best investments over time (and those that haven't).
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DustinSep 2 '10 at 15:06

Note: Please try to keep this to items that aren't already on the terminology index, although some duplication is probably inevitable.
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 15:06

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@Dustin: I think you're right, but I'm keeping an eye on this page.
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 15:10

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@neilfein I think it's OK if these are completely independent from the terminology index--these are reasons why a particular accessory is useful, not what it is.
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DustinSep 2 '10 at 15:12

29 Answers
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Fenders/Mudguards - front and back. I ride all through winter and these help keep me dry. There's usually only one or two dozen times a year that I'm really riding in the rain for my morning or afternoon commute, but there's a good 3 or 4 months where rain comes through often enough that I'm riding through a lot of puddles.The rear fender prevents the classic skunk stripe, while the front fender primarily prevents splashing onto my feet and ankles.

These also help keep your bike clean and should help increase the lifetime of your chain/gears (or at least give you an extra few days before it's time to clean and lubricate everything when riding in winter).

Most casual riders wouldn't even think of going out in the rain anyway, so I can see why most manufacturers wouldn't bother putting them on. Personally, even though I ride in the rain, I don't use mudguards. Never felt like the spray made that much of a difference. If it's raining only a little, there's not a lot of spray. If it's raining a lot, the spray doesn't add much extra.
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KibbeeOct 7 '10 at 18:50

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When you look at fenders look at how well they cover the wheel. Get ones with long rubber mudflaps, the ones that come with short mudflaps or none at all may keep water off of you, but still send lots of muck into your drivetrain.
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Marc CharbonneauFeb 26 '11 at 16:52

Panniers - I originally bought these to go on my first ever touring trip a few years back, but found they made huge difference for day-to-day commuting and increased the amount of biking I did. No longer did I have to balance groceries on handle bars, or arrive at the office with sweaty back from carrying a laptop in a backpack. Get one's you can clip on/off (I'm sure most do) and if there is any chance you will get caught in rain, its worth paying extra for waterproof panniers.

Saddle Bag - It looks quite small, but there's enough space to fit everything that I used to put in my backpack in longer rides: spare inner tube boxes, cell phone, keys, money, train travel card, tire levers and small toolset. It's so much better to ride without a backpack.

Larger saddle bags are also available, sometimes mounting on rails attached to the saddle. These can be large enough for a change of clothing or sometimes even larger.

How do you carry it around when you're at your destination? I had one, but gave up using it because it was too awkward to carry around or too easy to leave behind me somewhere.
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KevinSep 2 '10 at 18:17

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@Kevin - Saddle bags aren't really intended for carrying around. These are normally used for tools, a spare tube, and any other flat-kit accessories you want to take with you. The bag typically stays on the bike at all times.
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Brock BolandSep 2 '10 at 18:46

The problem I've had with saddle bags is that my legs rub it slightly each pedal stroke. It's not annoying, but it wears out a spot in my clothing after a few hundred miles.
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kevinsSep 4 '10 at 21:21

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@Brock The last time I had a saddle bag, my tools were stolen out of it. There are some places where you need to carry around any accessories which aren't locked down with your bike.
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Brian CampbellSep 19 '10 at 7:45

@Kevin look into a tool roll instead. I gave up on saddle bags in part because they're a pain to take off and carry when you lock your bike up inside. Tool rolls are easier to fit into a messenger bag, pannier, or jersey pocket.
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Marc CharbonneauFeb 26 '11 at 16:55

Cycle Computer I'd say a cylco-computer is my best accessory. I have the Sigma 1606 with cadence addon. It allows me to guage a bunch of things, speed most obviously, but tracking my cadence, average mph, and distance have really helped me grow as a casual rider.

A handheld GPS unit can also serve as a cycling computer, and then some. You are limited to where you can get a signal, and the expense may make this overkill for all but touring cyclists.
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 20:31

2

Garmin Edge 500 for me. Tracks geo data, speed, cadence, heart rate, power (if you have a power tap wheel or some other recording device). Awesome!
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JaySep 13 '10 at 21:56

Garmin Edge 500 + HR + CAD user here as well. Can't recommend it more. It actually is one of the best investments I've made related to cycling. Although thinking of the new Edge 800 but I'm not so sure about maps.
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Robert KoritnikMar 23 '11 at 9:17

There are a bunch of iPhone apps that help out with this stuff as well. I've been using RunKeeper lately.
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JasonJul 21 '11 at 2:39

Multitool - Contains the tools you're likely to need to do emergency repairs on a bike. Common allen keys, chain tool, and sometimes tire levers are included. This and some tubes and a pump or CO2 inflator will get you home.

Are my edits in the spirit of your entry?
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Neil FeinSep 24 '10 at 4:32

Avoid the really small ones (that are only an inch or so in length). I made that mistake, and found it didn't have enough leverage to tighten my seat post bolt when I needed it.
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Marc CharbonneauFeb 26 '11 at 16:57

Portable workstands are only half the battle. Getting a proper one and bolting it to the floor of my garage (using DynaSets, a "nut" that works like a masonry bolt so they're flush when unscrewed) was the best bike maintenance improvement I've made. Ever.
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МסžFeb 10 '11 at 3:57

CamelBak (or any other backpack with a water bladder in it) - I drink a lot of water, and after missing the bottle cage a few times and running over bottles, I decided I was too clumsy to keep trying to drink from a bottle and ride at the same time.

On hot days, fill the bag most of the way with ice cubes before filling it up with water. The ice will melt plenty quick enough to keep you from running out of liquid in there, and there's nothing worse than slurping piping hot water.

What's good about the CamelBak in particular, as opposed to other bladder brands?
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 15:35

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I've only used CamelBak, so I don't have a preference yet. I only used it because (in my experience) they seem to be the go-to name for that product - like Kleenex or Band Aid.
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Brock BolandSep 2 '10 at 16:58

Okay. If something about the Camelbak bladders is better, could someone who has a basis for comparison please note that?
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Neil FeinSep 4 '10 at 18:07

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@Neil Fein, CamelBaks are fairly expensive, you're usually buying it for the brand. I've bought a decent two litre water bladder + rucksack for £40 from the 'Bikehut brand owned by Halfords
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Ambo100May 26 '11 at 20:14

Kickstand - simple but very useful. I used to have one when I was young but it was rubbish (bike never stayed upright) and it put me off them until recently. The one I have now is great, works with fully loaded panniers, and it means I don't need to find a wall to lean the bike against. Especially useful when doing small maintenance tasks.

Which kickstand do you have now? This would be even more useful if you provided details about what kickstand you have and why you like it.
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 15:36

@Neilfein - Eh, I'm still looking at your Click-stand answer and trying to figure out if I in fact have a Click-stand, not a Kick-stand. I'll get back to you...
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KevinSep 2 '10 at 16:20

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A click-stand isn't attached to the bike permanently. You'd know it if you had one. Kick-stands come in a few different varieties: One legged, two-legged (and there are subtypes in there), ones that attach to the front of the chainstay, ones that attach in back, and probably even more types I'm not aware of. Perhaps we need something that asks what the different kinds of kickstands are and what their advantages are?
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 16:52

Right, confirmed I have a kick-stand. I've no idea what brand it is, I picked it up in a cycle shop on tour in Europe for about 15 euro. I attaches onto the bike frame at the back opposite the rear derailleur (is there technical term?). I never compared any kick-stand's so I can't say more that what I said above - it just works! My wife also has one that attached just under the pedals. It wasn't any good but only because it wasn't adjusted to the correct length. I fixed this and now it works reliably too. I can't recommend a type, just the concept...
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KevinSep 2 '10 at 18:14

It sounds like you have a kickstand that attaches to the rear of the chainstays, near the rear fork. Perhaps one of these?
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 20:34

Cyclaire pump It's a compact pump (comes with a small bag to attach to your top tube), and really, really fast. Changing a tube at the side of the road is bad enough without having spending ages minutes inflating it again (and tiring your arms). Now I never have to. It's not as good as a track pump, but I wouldn't want to be carrying one of those with me all the time.

A few times when I've seen another cyclist trying to inflate their tire with a hand pump, I've stopped to let them borrow mine. Each time they've been really impressed and said they're going to order one when they get home.

Just checked it out online -- very impressive!
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darkcanuckSep 5 '10 at 20:38

Also worth checking out is the Topeak Morph range. They are effectively a mini track pump - the Mountain Morph will inflate even fat MTB tyres in no time, and the Mini Morph is light and easy to carry, but still lets you get road tyres up to 100psi.
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Chris BettertonNov 26 '10 at 20:52

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+1 for an awesome gift idea for any cycler…
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Paul WaglandFeb 23 '11 at 21:13

Travel mug - Specifically, the AUTOSEAL® West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug (Vacuum Insulated). It fits easily in either water bottle cage (they're nylon so less likely to scratch it). It keeps hot things hot for at least a couple hours. It seals thoroughly enough that you can turn it upside down and shake it and not a drop escapes, so no worries about spilling coffee on my legs from going over bumps. And the unsealing mechanism is a button that's easy to press, allowing for no-hassle one-handed operation. Can even manage to drink with rough ground, since I can press the unseal button after getting the coffee

I used to have an insulated coffee thermos device with something more like a normal water bottle top, and if the coffee was a little too hot it was easy to burn myself. Since this one has an opening somewhat more like a cup, it's much easier to take small sips. That used to be my favorite bicycle accessory ever, but now the Contigo is.

There's just nothing that beats a nice hot coffee on a chilly morning commute. Or maybe a hot chocolate if I'm out a bit late and it's chilly...

In a fairly typical metal cage a lot like this cage it fits "normal". Most of the bulge of the cup fits under the clamping mechanism at the top of the cage

In a profile designs nylon cage that grips a bottle all around, it fits tighter than a standard water bottle, but still works fine.

The cage I'm most often using with it is an adjustable cage (I think I have the previous model of that one) that I originally got for a larger coffee bottle. The setting I have it at works for this mug or for a standard water bottle.

I'd never thought about having coffee for my morning commute into work. I'll have to get myself one of these...
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WilkaSep 2 '10 at 17:33

Does it fit well in a standard bottle cage or is it a bit tight/loose?
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Cosmic FlameNov 26 '10 at 12:31

@CosmicFlame: it depends on the cage... In a standard metal cage it fits the same. In the standard-sized nylon cage I have it fits slightly tighter than a normal water bottle.
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freiheit♦Nov 26 '10 at 19:51

Brilliant. Thanks for the info. I'm putting one of these on my Christmas list now! ;)
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Cosmic FlameNov 29 '10 at 11:17

essential item for touring during freezing winters. If you want to move more hot liquid, there are about 10kg steel (usually green) containers (as filled) by which you can move hot liquid.
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user652Feb 25 '11 at 19:39

Garmin Forerunner - it's a GPS watch and not the typical cycling GPS that you put on the handlebar. But I love it because I also do running and it's convenient to have all workouts tracked by the same device (to upload everything at once). You can easily toggle between the cycling and running modes. That's important because you typically measure your running pace in minutes/km (or minutes/mile), while for the cycling speed you in general prefer km/h (or mph).

I've got the same one. Don't know how I ever lived without it.
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Joe PhilllipsSep 2 '10 at 18:50

what can you do with the GPS data - can you upload it to Google Maps for example ?
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KevinSep 2 '10 at 20:56

@Kevin, you can import the data in an application or site to log your rides. Some sites like runningahead.com use the Google Maps API to display your GPS data. See this post: bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/520/….
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b.rothSep 3 '10 at 8:27

Top kit. I've had a 405 with HR and cadence kit for several years - Garmin's replacement policy is very good when you trash them as well.
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Duncan McGregorNov 26 '10 at 22:46

Click-Stand -The Click-Stand is a kickstand substitute, essentially a modified tent pole with a hook on the end. It's custom sized by the manufacturer so it'll fit with your bike. It's particularly well-suited to loaded touring bikes, and is much more stable than traditional kickstands.

It takes a minute to deploy, so it's not appropriate for racers or commuters, but it's great for anyone who's okay with taking a few seconds here and there.

After using it on tour for well over a year, I can confirm it to be more stable than most kickstands I've used, and doesn't put stress on the chainstays (where most kickstands are attached).

It comes with two brake bands, used to hold the bike's brakes closed, so it doesn't roll away while the Click-Stand is deployed.

Loaded touring bike in Philadelphia 30th Street Station, held up with a Click-Stand. (The Click-Stand is the device under the saddle, extending down to the floor.) Image credit

Click-Stand and brake bands, stowed in the holder next to my water bottle cage. Image credit

My lighting system - a cominbation of a SON Hub Dynamo and Bush & Muller lights.

The lights are a D'LUMOTEC oval senso plus at the front and a D'TOPLIGHT plus rear.

The D' is (I think) because they use LEDs

Firstly these are seriously bright (front and rear) - front gives a lot of light, enough to light up a road pretty well if dark. Back is bright.

Secondly they have a standlight function (that's the plus) so when you stop they stay lit for a few minutes (e.g. at a junction or traffic lights)

Finally there's the "Senso" feature that tips the package over from the merely excellent to the truly wonderful (any sufficiently advanced technology...) there's a sensor on the front light that turns the lights on when it gets dark - so you just ride the bike and if you need lights you have lights. Wonderful! (There's a positive on if you want and a positive off for those "you've left your lights on" conversations.)

I have all kinds of stuff for use for and with my various bikes "most useful" is a complex question but the automagic lights on my SpeedMachine are my favourite - my better half has the same setup on her kingcycle and, I think, a similar opinion (-:

Altimeter - Want to know if you're struggling because you're tired or climbing a false flat? How many meters/feet left until the top of the mountain pass? How steep was that last hill that nearly killed you? Are you climbing in too high or too low a gear? All these questions answered and more!

My GPS has an altitude function, although I find it to be not as accurate as I'd like. Are there altimeters available for bicycles that are more accurate?
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 15:56

This would make a good question on its own. :) You can get a separate altimeter -- mine is part of my GPS too. Some GPS units calculate altitude based on satellite positions, but this can be less accurate. Mine is barometric, so it uses changes in atmospheric pressure to determine altitude (which is not foolproof either). It's pretty good, although changes in weather during a ride can lead to minor errors.
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darkcanuckSep 2 '10 at 16:05

Some of the Specialized higher end bike comps have Inclinometers, which report angle of the climb, which I think is pretty cool. As in "I just did a 22% grade climb" That would be great to know. We had a series of hills around Toronto that we did hill reps on, and one guy had the inclinometer bike comp which let us see if our feeling of intensity matched the hill.
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geoffcSep 3 '10 at 20:47

Topeak Rack and Trunk Bag - The brand isn't important, but for me, the compatibility of the two is: the bag slides neatly onto the rack and clicks securely in place. It makes it easy to grab the bag on the way out the door and attach it quickly to the bike.

This is most useful for bike commuters or others using their bike primarily for transportation. It offers more space than a saddle bag for tools and a first aid kit, or for picking up small items on errands. It's a handy bag to have on hand for longer rides around town, and having a rack that it slides right into makes it more likely that you'll bother to take it along.

Can you add what particular use this is good for? (e.g., commuting, as a giant tool bag for frail volunteers, whatever?)
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Neil FeinSep 2 '10 at 15:34

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@Neil - As a commuter, mine contains a) lunch, and late-afternoon snack b) keys, money, and cards so my pockets are empty c) bicycle lock d) spare clothes: wind/rain-proof anorak, an extra fleece top, and warmer gloves (because weather changes during the day and my ride home at night isn't the same as my ride out during the day). I don't pack shoes (to change out of bike shoes) because I keep shoes at the office. When I arrive at work, I take the lock out of the bag and lock the bike; take the bag off the bike; put my helmet and gloves in the bag, and walk into the office with the bag.
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ChrisWApr 21 '11 at 10:56

Heart rate monitor - I know someone has already mentioned computer, but I'm a bit more specific. The only feedback I use is that heartrate number. With practice, it quickly tells me if I'm in the wrong gear or how long I can maintain a certain effort.

The whole computer thing is nice, but I really like having that single big number for feedback and not filling my head with power, distance and time.

Incidentally, what does it mean when your heart rate doesn't decrease on the downhill?

If your heart doesn't decrease on the downhill, then your top gear is too small ;-) Seriously, you might want to ask that as question on the fitness SE site - if I could find one active I would give you the link - only a couple of proposal's in the define stage.
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Anthony KSep 24 '10 at 2:20

Bike racks can be attached to cars, buses, vans, or any kind of vehicle.

Racks are useful because they hold a bike more safely than tossing it into a car or a truck. Cars also sometimes require removing the front wheel in order to fit a bike in the vehicle, and using a bike rack eliminates that requirement.

Roof mounted racks are cheapest if you already have cargo rails on your car. They have a big effect on your gas consumption and you have to be able to lift the bike up that high.

Rear mounted racks attach to a trailer hitch or a 'hidden hitch', they are easiest to mount bikes on and the rack can be removed when you aren't using it. If they block the license plate or rear light they might be illegal in your country.

Cheapest option if your car doesn't have the mounting points is a clip on rear rack. They have adjustable straps that hook over the trunk or hatchback. Don't hold as many bikes or as securely as a hitch mounted rack but are cheap to fit and can go on any car. On a hatchback you can usually mount them above the license plate and lights.

Is it really an accessory? Well, yeah accessory of a bus. Very cool idea but is this idea more appropriate to the urban safety innovations: bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/1817/… Very cool, hope I had such busses.
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user652Feb 19 '11 at 14:08

I expanded this a bit. Anyone have a good photo of a car bike rack?
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Neil FeinFeb 23 '11 at 17:08

@hhh - originally I meant that a bus ticket was my most important accessory!
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mgbFeb 23 '11 at 17:58

is it possible that you move the bus-rack to the urban safety innovation (link above)? I don't want to lose it. I think such innovation can make bicycling much more safe for some people such as older, kids or anyone who may not be sure of his/her strength.
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user652Feb 23 '11 at 19:38

Clipless pedals: By using a a different muscle group while pulling up they increase your speed and stamina. Essentially you use special shoes with bicycle cleats to clip in to the pedals. Once locked in you can pull up as well as push down.

Bar-End Shifters/Gear Levers - One of the best investments I've made. Especially useful because of easy conversion from down-tube shifters, which I believe are one of the worst trends in recent cycle history. I'll never use anything else!

@neilffein: In my experience, they're a little more durable, as they have less moving parts to break -- plus they're easier to service if they do, but it's rare. In comparison, I've seen far more of grip-shifters and brifters fail.
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DustinSep 2 '10 at 18:50

Light & Motion Seca - This is a powerful light that will allow you to go on rides at night. Being able to ride in the dark after working 9-5 during the winter is great. Riding trails that you ridden hundreds of times before at night is like riding a brand new trail. This light is also good for 24hr races where you're riding throughout the night.

What differentiates it from other lights?
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Neil FeinSep 4 '10 at 18:04

1

There are several other brands of lights suitable for night riding. This particular brand is what I use and what several of my friends use. One thing that differentiates Light & Motion from other brands like Night Rider is that Light & Motion batteries are interchangeable. The battery from the Light & Motion I bought in 2005 work with the model I bought last year and vica versa. They purposefully maintain backwards compatibility with their adapters which is nice.
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jenglertSep 7 '10 at 2:43

As a northern European rider, every cyclist I know who has bought a pair of these has regretted not buying them earlier. They may not keep your feet totally dry (the water runs down your legs and into them), but they keep them so much warmer than overshoes do on the road, where your feet are effectively static just spinning circles, so don't generate much heat of their own.

On an MTB overshoes are just a hassle, getting caught up in mud and sticks when you put your feet down, so for years I used waterproof socks and normal cycling shoes. But your normal shoes don't have enough room in them for a nice warm sock and even with waterproof socks you often end up with your feet compressed, cutting off circulation and leading to cold feet.

If a lot of your riding is cold or wet, I'd strongly recommend buying a pair of winter boots, fitted with a nice thick wool sock. Having warm feet makes such a difference in those conditions.

Saddle bags are a pain to switch between bikes and to take off and on if you don't want someone stealing your tools while it's locked up. Often they're bulky to carry around off the bike in a messenger bag. Plus, most of them are not waterproof and need to be aired out if you don't want your tools rusting after a ride in the rain. A tool roll is easy to slip into my messenger bag or pannier. If I need to I can even carry it in a jersey pocket, or even on the bike itself.

I have tried frame bags, water bottle cage boxes and trunk bags, but the handlebar bag has been the most useful. It provides a convenient place to store my wallet, phone, a camera, the primary and backup batteries for my lights, energy gel, work access badge and sunglasses.